Baroness Young, photographed in the House of Lords: ‘I was a bit shocked by the age and gender profile.’ Image: Nancy Honey for the Observer

American photographer Nancy Honey traveled the country to compile a remarkable portfolio of portraits of the 100 most influential women over 55. Her project shows how much women’s lives have changed – and also how much there still is to do. Here are some of them.

Baroness Young of Hornsey – producer, campaigner and writer, 63
I didn’t imagine a future for myself as a child. I was in care. I didn’t feel I had much to offer or was clever, attractive or anything positive.